Description
This course aims to introduce participants to the fundamentals of CMOS sub-micron and nanometer analogue/mixed-signal IC design, and the underlying semiconductor physics principles. Participants will gain an understanding of basic analogue circuit principles and building blocks, and the design tools employed (schematics, simulation, layout, DRC/LVS), enabling them to become immediately productive in a mixed-signal environment. As well as classic circuits and amplifier/reference building blocks, the course covers a number of important basics not easily found in the textbooks: Crosstalk, isolation, leakage, breakdown, ESD, reliability, and the interdependence of analogue design with the underlying semiconductor technology. The afternoon practical sessions enable hands-on learning of physics concepts, schematic entry, simulation, layout, verification, using Applets, demos, schematic editor, simulator, and layout tools, which attendees can install and run on their laptops, or on the lab PC’s.

Lecturer:

The course will be presented by Mr. Tim Cummins, who has over 25 years semiconductor R & D experience. He has developed high-voltage CMOS processes, and designed more than 20 mixed-signal and sensor IC’s, in Analog Devices, Silicon Labs, as well as in his own startup companies ChipSensors and AltraTech Ltd. He has authored 5 IEEE publications, and holds 18 patents in sensors and mixed-signal IC design.

Audience
This course is primarily aimed at graduate analogue/mixed-signal designers, and Digital/ASIC designers who want to switch to mixed signal design. It does not assume previous design, layout or tape-out experience. Product, Test, and Reliability engineers will also benefit from the accessible presentation and engagement format, in relating analogue IC design and chip performance to the underlying semiconductor physics and manufacturability aspects in modern nanometer CMOS technology.